• Company description: Ben Franklin Technology Partners links companies with expertise, universities, funding and other resources to help them prosper through innovation.

• Number of employees: 27

• Hiring plans: Although we will not be hiring due to state funding cuts, the expansion of Ben Franklin TechVentures, our incubator facility, will take place this year. This will allow us to accommodate startup companies that create 200 sustainable, highly paid technology jobs and retain 100 more in the first three years.

• Skills needed: Twenty-three early stage firms, employing 118 people, are in Ben Franklin TechVentures. These companies are in a variety of industries, including the following high-potential technology sectors: Alternative and clean energy; Information technology; Life sciences; Nanotechnology and advanced materials; Optoelectronics/photonics/microelectronics.

• The irresistible job candidate: The ideal job candidate for positions this year and beyond will possess great communications skills and be intelligent, resourceful, confident, resilient, well-spoken, well-mannered, technology-savvy, cooperative and intuitive. These characteristics do not change with the economy. These same qualities that were desirable in the past, are important today and will continue to be.

• Job hunter contact: Identify technology-based companies through the Ben Franklin website and other searches, then contact company leadership to identify needs and requirements. Become knowledgeable about the company and industry. Participate in internships with the company and gain as much experience as possible.